Prop pairing Tyrone Amey and Sam Anderson have been recruited by Maitland to bolster the Pickers’ forward pack in 2019 as the club begins their grand final bid for next year. Knocked out of this year’s title race less than a fortnight ago after being one win away from claiming the minor premiership, Pickers president Frank Lawler has confirmed the signings of both Amey and Anderson. It comes with former NRL front-rower Dane Tilse unconfirmed for the following campaign. “They [Amey, Anderson] will be handy, especially with Tilsey potentially retiring so obviously we need to strengthen that area,” Lawler said. “They both have good leg speed and quick play the balls, so I think they will be very good for us.” Amey, who was linked with Lakes this campaign, has spent most of 2018 in NSW Cup after the 22-year-old Maitland diesel mechanic made his NRL debut for the Newcastle Knights in the last round of last season. West Maitland junior, 2011 Knights under-20 player of the year and former Penrith Panthers first grader Anderson will skipper the Redcliffe Dolphins in next weekend’s Queensland Cup decider at Suncorp Stadium. Lawler said the Pickers had managed to “retain most of their existing squad” for next year. Maitland captain-coach Luke Dorn announced earlier this year he would finish his decorated playing career at the end of 2018 and move into coaching only at the club next season.

DAY OUT: Tyrone Amey during his NRL debut for the Newcastle Knights in the last round of last season. Picture: Jonathan Carroll

Prop pairing Tyrone Amey and Sam Anderson have been recruited by Maitland to bolster the Pickers’ forward pack in 2019 as the club begins their grand final bid for next year.

Knocked out of this year’s title race less than a fortnight ago after being one win away from claiming the minor premiership, Pickers president Frank Lawler has confirmed the signings of both Amey and Anderson.

It comes with former NRL front-rower Dane Tilse unconfirmed for the following campaign.

“They [Amey, Anderson] will be handy, especially with Tilsey potentially retiring so obviously we need to strengthen that area,” Lawler said.

“They both have good leg speed and quick play the balls, so I think they will be very good for us.”

Amey, who was linked with Lakes this campaign, has spent most of 2018 in NSW Cup after the 22-year-old Maitland diesel mechanic made his NRL debut for the Newcastle Knights in the last round of last season.

West Maitland junior, 2011 Knights under-20 player of the year and former Penrith Panthers first grader Anderson will skipper the Redcliffe Dolphins in next weekend’s Queensland Cup decider at Suncorp Stadium.

Lawler said the Pickers had managed to “retain most of their existing squad” for next year.

Maitland captain-coach Luke Dorn announced earlier this year he would finish his decorated playing career at the end of 2018 and move into coaching only at the club next season.